Eddie Wright Music Scholarship Fund

The fund was put into place in September 2006 following the accidental death of Edward Patrick Wright of Niagara Falls Ontario. Edward was 18 years old at the time of his death. He had a love and an ear for music. He was a loyal friend and defended those who could not. He would give of himself and just be there for those who needed him. If one word could describe Edward Patrick it would be determination. If one could use one word to describe how he lived his life, it would be passionately. In his memory the scholarship was founded to assist those young persons who exhibit the same passion and determination as he did with regard to music.

The initial donations made to the scholarship were done with love in his memory. Since that time the continued support of the community was a driving force into organizing a not for profit scholarship. The Board of the fund is currently working to register the fund for charitable gifting. Gifting at the corporate level is more feasible with a registered charity.

In the fall of 2006, the production duo of Rick Rose and Mark Matthews contacted the scholarship fund and informed us that all proceeds of the 2006 release of the CD Spirit of Niagara II promoting local talent would be given to the scholarship fund. Eddie’s song that appeared in the 2005 edition was included and the CD launched at the two high schools he attended (St. Paul’s Catholic High School from 2002-2004) and St. Michael’s Catholic High School 2004-2006). The CD’s sold at the schools contained a memorial rosary which is worn by many around their necks to remember Eddie.

Future fund raising events are planned so that what was started by the many who gave from their heart to support a grieving family can now continue for a longer period of time to assist those in financial need that have a song in their hearts and could not otherwise have the opportunity to learn and benefit from music.

Eddie was born on April 19, 1998. His full birth name is Edward Patrick Kelly Wright with Irish, Scottish and French Canadian roots. He was exposed to music from before birth. He listened mostly to his father’s favourite music Rush and heavier rock. In fact he attended his first concert at the age of 4 wearing industrial ear protectors when Rush played Hamilton.

As a young boy he would mimic Johnny Dee of Honeymoon Suite, learning all the big hits by heart. A videotape was made of his “performance” and sent to the singer/songwriter who is also a friend of the family.

By the time Eddie was 6 he was asking to take music lessons. His instrument of choice was guitar. He preferred the acoustic guitar. He quickly learned the chords but was not a fan of practicing them every day for his music teacher Tim Miller of the Ontario Conservatory. Edward was passionate about his music and passionate about his instrument of choice. Whenever he could he would read up on the history of the guitar and the different makes and designs. He could easily discuss with any guitar aficionado the instrument. He created a piece of art work in tribute to the Gibson guitar.

Although he would play quite frequently, the singing could only be heard behind his closed bedroom door. The calibre of the voice began to emerge while rehearsing for the school play Wizard of Oz. Edward played the role of the Scarecrow and wowed the crowds. Although he never returned to the stage, he was enrolled for drama classes beginning September 2006.

His voice continued to develop, as did his expertise on the guitar. It was during the Youth World Days where German visitors stayed in his home that the range of his voice was finally heard. Knocking on Heaven’s Door was a favourite around the campfires.

Edward had an eclectic taste in music. Regardless of the type, if it was good music then it was worth listening to. When he sang, his voice was one that caught your attention and made you want to settle into a comfy couch or pull up a lawn chair around a campfire and listen.

Eddie was an amazing young man. The proof is found in the testimonies of his friends, not only his peers but the adults he got to know as well. As is the case with all teens finding their way, he would challenge the status quo. He lived life with a determination that is synonymous with his name. Ask any friend. Whatever he would try his hand at he would give it his all. And he accomplished many goals in his short life. He was an excellent and gifted martial artist, was an accomplished Irish Dancer placing first in many feis before leaving dance stage to hit the water and become a Wake Boarder. He went on to become Ontario Junior Wakeboard Champion in his first year of competition and the pleasure and privilege of wakeboarding with international champion Shawn Murray. He tried his hand at football and even though he was a walk on, made the senior varsity Spears Football team in their inaugural year where they went on to take the Ontario Provincial title. He was excellent at trampoline and enjoyed volleyball. He accomplished his goals and excelled in many because of determination and passion, not because he was necessarily talented in each. He believed, he worked at it and he accomplished it. His passion for a strong and healthy body is easily remembered by family and friends. At the time of his death he had begun the arduous and disciplined daily routines for a November 2006 Bodybuilding competition. We are certain that he would have become eligible to compete on his sheer determination alone. But in this art he was also gifted with strength and the right body type as he would say. It was his time to shine again.

What his friends say they remember the most however, are his smiles, love of song and his loyalty to friends. Plain and simple: he was good people!

On August 3rd 2006, his legacy took on a new role. Edward was a spiritual individual, strong in his faith. His death left an immense hole but his love of life brought many of us together. The Eddie Wright Music Scholarship Fund is our way of continuing his legacy so that we can recognize in others his driving force of determination and passion.

Dolorese and Ed Wright – They are the parents of Edward Patrick Wright They are the founding members of the organization. Dolorese and Ed are in the financial services with Ed Wright the fraternal insurance counsellor (FIC) with the Knights of Columbus. Ed is a Certified Seniors Advisor (CSA). He works with his fellow Knights serving the communities of the Niagara Region. Dolorese is partner in the firm Bujold Colburn that provides Pension and Group Benefits and is a Group Benefits Analysts (GBA) to corporate clients throughout the Niagara Region as well as retirement and estate planning to individuals. Dolorese and Ed and daughter Kerianne are looking forward to assisting others through their music endeavours.

Betty Boulet – Betty is a resident of Grassybrook. She is a neighbour of the Wrights having watched Edward Patrick grow from a baby to the fine young man he became. Her campfires are popular events with impromptu sing along by family and friends. Her camp fires was one of the main places that Edward would play and sing along with Betty’s husband Denis who is a member of Old Plank Road. She has been around and involved with music all of her adult life. Betty was born in Niagara Falls now living in Port Robinson. Betty is married with two adult sons and grandmother of darling Lauren.

Anthony Finucci – Anthony is an accountant working from the firm Forsyth and Finucci in St. Catharines. A resident of Niagara Falls and the father of two young boys, Tony has been involved in music for much of his life. Tony is a member of a local band, which performs throughout the Region. His abilities will be an asset to the Board.

Christopher Steele – Chris is originally from Port Colborne and now resides in Welland. He is an investment specialist and will be an asset to the corporation. Chris has been involved with music, although mostly from an enjoyment level and history buff. He does play guitar. He is partner in the firm of Bujold Colburn in Welland.